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A new ordinance that bans homeless people from camping overnight in public places went into effect Thursday night

Carrying bright flashlights, San Angelo police late Thursday night searched eight tents and found at least three homeless people still living in the tent city that has existed for nine months under the Houston Harte Expressway.

Police issued warnings to those at the site and reminded them that a new city ordinance prohibits people from camping overnight on public property not designated for camping. No tickets were issued and no one was arrested, police on the scene said.

"Our intent is not to rush down there at 10:01 p.m. and arrest everyone," Police Chief Frank Carter said Thursday evening.

The new ordinance, which prohibits camping from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., officially went into effect at 10 p.m. Thursday.

Earlier in the day about 11 people were still camping at the site. Several said they would spend the night at the Salvation Army, then return to the camp during the day because they had nowhere else to go.

When police arrived about 10 p.m., the tent site was dark except for flashes of lightning that caused an eerie glow around the campsite. Heavy rains earlier in the night made access to the tent city difficult because rainwater had flooded pathways to the campsite.

Police had to climb down a steep cement wall that is only accessible from the expressway.

Officers opened each tent and shone their flashlights inside to see if they were occupied. Occupants were asked to exit the tent and officers issued a verbal warning.

Carter and other city officials have been trying to address the needs of the city's growing homeless population. Various agencies have helped find at least a dozen homeless people jobs, drug rehabilitation services and housing.

The Concho Valley Homeless Planning Coalition is hosting a Social Service Assessment event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Salvation Army Shelter, 122 W. 2nd St. Various community agencies will be available to meet with and inform the homeless about available services.